Cat Crave
FanSided

Carolina Panthers: Is Andrew Thomas worth the No. 7 pick?

By Dean Jones

KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 05: Andrew Thomas #71 of the Georgia Bulldogs warms up on the field before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Neyland Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Knoxville, Tennessee. (Photo by Silas Walker/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 2
Next
Andrew Thomas, Carolina Panthers
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) Andrew Thomas /

The Carolina Panthers could be looking to strengthen their offensive line in the 2020 NFL Draft, but is Andrew Thomas worth considering in the first round?

Things could do with improving on the Carolina Panthers’ offensive line heading into the 2020 NFL Draft.

They have invested a lot in quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey. So it would be wise for the franchise to protect them as much as possible.

With so many needs to fill on the defensive side of the ball, selecting an offensive lineman with their first-round pick would be a huge surprise. But that is not to say the Panthers are not considering the possibility.

This would become increasingly likely if they trade down from No. 7 in order to acquire more picks. There is expected to be a lot of activity within the top-ten as various teams go after their player of choice.

If this is a route Carolina is set on doing, then offensive tackle Andrew Thomas is sure to be high on their shortlist. The imposing figure was a real standout at Georgia and is expected to be one of the first players taken at the position.

Thomas has the potential to be an elite offensive lineman with Pro Bowl potential at the next level. He is a dominant figure in the run game and handles pass-rushers with incredible poise on passing downs.

The player became a trusted blindside protector for mid-round prospect Jake Fromm and has stood out substantially during the evaluation process. There are plenty of teams who are high on Thomas so it would be a huge surprise if he was not taken in the top ten.

If one of those teams is the Panthers, then they have a huge dilemma. Trading down could put the player out of reach. But selecting at No. 7 and neglecting the defense would be met with severe scrutiny.

Home/Panthers Draft